Dr. Mark Fleckner on easy ways to prevent eye diseases.

Eye diseases are painful and difficult to deal with. They can deeply impact your life, sometimes temporarily and sometimes for the foreseeable future. Although it is impossible to be 100% sure you will not get an eye disease, here are some steps you can take to reduce your chances of contracting one.

Stay Away From Your Eyes

Touching your eyes is a bad habit many people have. When you touch your eyes with unwashed hands, you’re increasing the risk of spreading harmful bacteria, which can cause serious diseases. If you must touch your eyes, make sure to thoroughly wash your hands and rinse off all soap before doing so.

Take Care of Your Makeup

Anyone who regularly uses makeup should make sure to follow three tips. First, make sure your makeup is not expired, as old makeup may contain more harmful substances. Second, clean your makeup brushes regularly, especially if they are used around your eyes. Third, never share makeup, as you can easily contract bacteria that can damage your eyes.

Protect From Light

Anyone who has ever accidentally looked into the sun knows how much strain it can put on your eyes. The truth is, even if you aren’t looking directly at something bright, your eyes may still develop problems over time. When outside, make sure to wear UV-protecting sunglasses. When inside, limit the amount of time you spend looking at screens, and always use the lowest brightness you can stand. Also, consider turning down the blue light on your electronics, or use blue-light-eliminating glasses to reduce the strain on your eyes.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Even though your eyes are nowhere near your stomach, what you eat can have a big impact on your eyesight. Some diet-related illnesses can increase the chance of developing an eye disease. For example, diabetes can increase the chance of developing glaucoma. Additionally, eating a well-rounded diet and drinking lots of water will generally help your body operate efficiently, including your eyes. Just make sure to follow your doctor’s advice if you are on a strict diet plan. Although it may seem strange, your diet really does have an impact on your vision health.
Eye diseases cannot always be prevented, but there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of contracting one. Following these steps will ensure you have done due diligence in preventing any eye diseases from appearing. Still, make sure to visit your Ophthalmologist regularly, and do not hesitate to reach out if you suspect there may be a problem.

Originally posted on DrMarkFleckner.info